**Steven Gerrard Hails Future Legend After Rangers’ Triumph Over Panathinaikos**
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League second qualifying round clash at Ibrox, Rangers secured a 2-0 victory over Panathinaikos, marking a strong start for new manager Russell Martin. Watching from afar, former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard was left in awe, convinced he’d witnessed the emergence of a future legend in the Light Blues’ ranks.
Gerrard, who led Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade in 2020-21, tuned in to see his former club dominate the Greek side. The match, played on July 22, 2025, showcased Rangers’ revitalized squad, bolstered by seven summer signings. Among them, young striker Hamza Igamane stole the spotlight, scoring a stunning goal that sealed the win and earned praise from the Liverpool icon.
“Some players just have that spark, and you can see it instantly,” Gerrard reportedly said. “That lad Igamane? He’s got something special. He’s a future legend in the making.” Igamane, who netted 16 goals last season, including four in the Europa League, displayed composure and flair beyond his years, leaving Panathinaikos’ defense rattled. His goal, a clinical finish after a deft run, underscored why Rangers fans are buzzing about the 22-year-old Moroccan.
Under Martin’s guidance, Rangers showed tactical discipline, with new signings like Nasser Djiga and Joe Rothwell integrating seamlessly. The Ibrox crowd, a roaring force, fueled the team’s intensity, while Panathinaikos struggled to counter, hampered by the absence of winger Giorgos Kyriakopoulos due to injury. Despite their storied history, the Greek side couldn’t replicate their past success against Scottish teams, managing only one win in nine encounters.
Gerrard, now reflecting on his time at Rangers, knows the weight of European nights at Ibrox. His 2008 squad reached the UEFA Cup final, and he sees parallels in this Rangers team. “They’ve got the hunger and the quality to go far,” he noted. With the second leg in Athens looming on July 30, Rangers carry a vital lead, and Igamane’s star is rising.
About the Author
